초록 ▼

A tension indicator for use with a fastener that is formed from a stack of conical washers confined in the stack by a cage having a longitudinally extending slot formed therein provides readily discernible visual indication of tension or loss of tension in the fastener joint. The indicator includes

A tension indicator for use with a fastener that is formed from a stack of conical washers confined in the stack by a cage having a longitudinally extending slot formed therein provides readily discernible visual indication of tension or loss of tension in the fastener joint. The indicator includes a body configured for receipt over the stack of conical washers. The body can include at least one stanchion extending inwardly of the body from the interior surface to define a stanchion end longitudinally spaced from the body end. At least one detent extends inwardly of the body and is longitudinally spaced from the body end. When the stack of conical washers is placed under tension with the uppermost washer in a planar condition, the stanchion lies adjacent the uppermost washer at the interior region. When the stack of conical washers is under a tension insufficient to urge the uppermost washer into the planar condition, the stanchion abuts the uppermost washer at the interior region and the detent is disengaged from the slot in the cage side portion to prevent the cap from securing to the fastener. The body can include an opening for receipt of a gauge for contacting the interior region of the uppermost washer and for determining a height difference between the outer periphery of the uppermost washer and the interior region of the fastener.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A tension indicator for use with an associated fastener, the associated fastener formed from a stack of conical washers confined in the stack by a cage, the stack defining an uppermost washer having an upper surface and further defining an interior region intermediate an edge thereof and a longit

1. A tension indicator for use with an associated fastener, the associated fastener formed from a stack of conical washers confined in the stack by a cage, the stack defining an uppermost washer having an upper surface and further defining an interior region intermediate an edge thereof and a longitudinal axis of the stack, the cage including longitudinally extending side portions having a slot formed therein and including a top securing member extending from the side portions to maintain the washers in the stack, the tension indicator comprising:a body defining a cap and configured for receipt over the stack of conical washers, the body defining an interior surface; a base flange contiguous with the body; at least one stanchion extending inwardly of the cap from the interior surface, the stanchion defining an end longitudinally spaced from the base flange; and at least one detent extending inwardly of the cap from the interior surface, longitudinally spaced from the base flange, the detent positioned between a longitudinal extent of the base flange and the stanchion end, wherein when the tension indicator is positioned over the associated fastener with the stack of conical washers placed under tension with the uppermost washer in a planar condition, the stanchion lies adjacent the uppermost washer at the interior region and the detent engages and secures into the slot in the cage side portion to secure the cap to the fastener, and wherein when the stack of conical washers of the fastener is under a tension insufficient to urge the uppermost washer into the-planar condition, the at least one stanchion abuts the uppermost washer at the interior region and the detent is disengaged from the slot in the cage side portion to prevent the cap from securing to the fastener.